Huge discrepancy in estimates for the same job

[RitaZ.]

We have 6 3" recessed lights in our kitchen that we want replaced. All the wiring is there, which is relatively new. We just want the high hats replaced. So far, I've gotten two estimates. Both include the lights. One is for $780 and the other is for $1440. WTH? I don't get it...

The second estimate came from a company that was recommended to us by a neighbor. Early this year, they paid this company $800 for all new wiring and installation of 4 large recessed lights. They want $1440 to replace 6 lights?

Any electricians in the house? Why such a huge discrepancy in the estimates?

 

[lovesmurfs]

We have 6 3" recessed lights in our kitchen that we want replaced. All the wiring is there, which is relatively new. We just want the high hats replaced. So far, I've gotten two estimates. Both include the lights. One is for $780 and the other is for $1440. WTH? I don't get it...

The second estimate came from a company that was recommended to us by a neighbor. Early this year, they paid this company $800 for all new wiring and installation of 4 large recessed lights. They want $1440 to replace 6 lights?

Any electricians in the house? Why such a huge discrepancy in the estimates?

I would go back to the 2nd company and ask them. Indicate that it's nearly twice as much as your other bid, and wanted to make sure that you're making the correct comparison before making a decision.

 

[RitaZ.]

I would go back to the 2nd company and ask them. Indicate that it's nearly twice as much as your other bid, and wanted to make sure that you're making the correct comparison before making a decision.

I did. I haven't heard from them.

At this point, I'm ready to go to HD, buy the stinking lights and install them myself. So, if you read about a woman in S. FL that was electrocuted while attempting to install high hats; you'll know it was me!

 

[MAKmom]

We have 6 3" recessed lights in our kitchen that we want replaced. All the wiring is there, which is relatively new. We just want the high hats replaced. So far, I've gotten two estimates. Both include the lights. One is for $780 and the other is for $1440. WTH? I don't get it...

The second estimate came from a company that was recommended to us by a neighbor. Early this year, they paid this company $800 for all new wiring and installation of 4 large recessed lights. They want $1440 to replace 6 lights?

Any electricians in the house? Why such a huge discrepancy in the estimates?

How much are the lights you want both sound high if the wiring is all done.

 

[lovesmurfs]

I did. I haven't heard from them.

At this point, I'm ready to go to HD, buy the stinking lights and install them myself. So, if you read about a woman in S. FL that was electrocuted while attempting to install high hats; you'll know it was me!

Actually, if it's just a simple replacement of fixtures that are already there, you probably could! With no electrical experience, I installed a recessed light outside our back door (there's not enough clearance for a standard light fixture -- I replaced a 60-year old one).

After going back and forth to Ace Hardware and talking to the guy in the electrical dept about my electrocution concerns, the guy said, "Lady, I worked in HVAC for 20 years. It's 120 volts. It's not gonna kill you." Gave me the confidence I needed and I actually replaced the lights in our basement and installed a dimmer switch as well.

It really wasn't that hard.

 

[woodkins]

We own an electrical contracting company. Are you switching from line voltage to low voltage? Are they both changing them out to 3" cans or to larger 4" or 5"? Is anyone running new circuits/switch legs? Installing high hats in an existing ceiling does cost more money than installling in a new ceiling or open construction. There are different brands/types of trims for the cans and that can also vary the costs tremendously. For what it is worth the going rate here is between $100-$170 per high hat depending on the type of light/trim and the type of install (ceiling condition, location etc).

 

[RitaZ.]

How much are the lights you want both sound high if the wiring is all done.

I thought the first one was high, too. That's why we sought another estimate. The first guy does good quality work, but his prices are always high. We've had him do a lot of work at our house over the years.

The estimates didn't specify the cost of each light. However, based on what I've seen at HD and Lowes, it would be about $20 to $25 per light. The lights that we currently have cost just under $20 a piece. Anyway, I guess the first guy is no longer the one with the highest prices.

Still waiting for their call.

 

[SpecialK]

I think this is pretty common. When we finished our basement, the estimates ran from 30K to 60K for the same job. Just depends on the contractor.

 

[RitaZ.]

We own an electrical contracting company. Are you switching from line voltage to low voltage? Are they both changing them out to 3" cans or to larger 4" or 5"? Is anyone running new circuits/switch legs? Installing high hats in an existing ceiling does cost more money than installling in a new ceiling or open construction. There are different brands/types of trims for the cans and that can also vary the costs tremendously. For what it is worth the going rate here is between $100-$170 per high hat depending on the type of light/trim and the type of install (ceiling condition, location etc).

I have no idea. I just told them that we want the high hats replaced with the same dimensions as the existing ones. They didn't mention anything about having to do any changes to the wiring to accommodate the new lights. I would expect them to tell us if there were any major changes to justify the costs.

I do know that there is difference between the lights that can be used in new construction and remodeling lights.

Thanks for the info.

 

[karibritt01]

I would probably get a third estimate before deciding anyhting, just for comparison.

We had gutters installed not long after we bought our house. Since I am a SAHM, I dealt with the contractors giving estimates. Two estimates were around $600, and the third came in at $1700. The way the guy talked down to me, I knew his estimate was high because he thought he was dealing with a woman who wouldn't know any better.

 

[RitaZ.]

Actually, if it's just a simple replacement of fixtures that are already there, you probably could! With no electrical experience, I installed a recessed light outside our back door (there's not enough clearance for a standard light fixture -- I replaced a 60-year old one).

After going back and forth to Ace Hardware and talking to the guy in the electrical dept about my electrocution concerns, the guy said, "Lady, I worked in HVAC for 20 years. It's 120 volts. It's not gonna kill you." Gave me the confidence I needed and I actually replaced the lights in our basement and installed a dimmer switch as well.

It really wasn't that hard.

Alright, you've inspired me here!

It doesn't look like I'll be hearing from that company today. So, we will be heading to HD and Lowes tonight to buy one light kit and give a try. Wish us luck!

 

[sunnyday123]

Just remember, an estimate is just that-an estimate. Could be they charge more, or less. Pretty much they'll try to charge you for whatever you'll pay.

And I agree with the PP, it's not that hard. Make sure the electric is off. I remodled my whole kitchen on my own, and it took forever, but it looks great.

 

[DawnCt1]

We recently had our backyard re landscaped with a retaining wall, removal of shrubs, two stair cases, resetting of the pool and front walk papers. The first estimate included only the stairs and the retaining wall. He didn't even finish measuring it because he wanted me to know that it would be between $25K and $30K. In the meantime I called another landscaper who also had a good reputation and a work crew that he wanted to keep working. His price and the one I went with which included so much more than even what I initially listed was $15K. Much better. More money doesn't always mean "better".

 

[RitaZ.]

We recently had our backyard re landscaped with a retaining wall, removal of shrubs, two stair cases, resetting of the pool and front walk papers. The first estimate included only the stairs and the retaining wall. He didn't even finish measuring it because he wanted me to know that it would be between $25K and $30K. In the meantime I called another landscaper who also had a good reputation and a work crew that he wanted to keep working. His price and the one I went with which included so much more than even what I initially listed was $15K. Much better. More money doesn't always mean "better".

I agree.

I talked to the guy from the first estimate. I asked him if he was going to make some major changes to the wiring. He said he isn't; just going to reconnect the new light to the existing wire. I didn't get around to telling him that I thought it was too high. He immediately asked me what I didn't like about the estimate. There are several things that we want to have done in the kitchen. I told him that a few of the things we could do ourselves, but my main problem was the cost of the recessed lights' installation. He said that he'd re-work the numbers.

Most contractors call the quotes estimates, but they're really bids. I've never had any "estimates" come in lower than the quoted price. However, I've had some "estimates" exceed the quoted amount.

So, I continue to wait. DH will be thrilled to know I won't be dragging him to HD and Lowes tonight.